technoJAM – fun with technology for everyone

technoJAM is a completely free event, organised by the Quantum Technology Club that enable people who are interested in all forms of technology to come together and share their knowledge, learn new things and meet other technology fans.

You don’t have to be of any particular level of expertise to enjoy technoJAM, it caters for everyone; from beginners dabbling in technology for the first time, through to seasoned dabblers who been doing it for a long time. technoJAM also appeals to all ages and we welcome everyone from primary and secondary schools right through to those who have more time on their hands and want to learn new skills.

Whilst the event is free of charge we do ask that you register for free tickets so that we know how many are coming.

What happens at technoJAM?

Every technoJAM is different but feel free to have a look at some of the activities that take place below; please note, not all activities will be available at every event – see the panel on the right for this event’s workshops.

Our workshops can be joined and left when you’re ready; so you can visit several workshops or just concentrate on a couple.

Raspberry Pi Workshops

The £35 Raspberry Pi computer has set the hobby computing community buzzing; there doesn’t appear to be any limits as to what these devices can do.

Come along and find out for yourself; from operating as an extremely low-cost desktop/portable computer to controlling electronic circuits that you’ve built yourself.

Unlike Raspberry Pis, Arduinos are not computers, they’re controllers. They don’t need screens and keyboards to work, they operate quite well without them. However, they can be used to build any number of applications; from simple light monitors to much more complex systems.

Come along and find out what you can do with a £4 Arduino.

BBC Micro:bit Workshops

Many schools are equipped with BBC Micro:bits, electronic devices that can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks using built-in sensors and output devices.

You can now purchase these for use at home, so why not come along and find out what you could use a BBC Micro:bit for at home.

Most forms of modern communication and computing involves the use of satellites; TV, radio, telephone, mapping, tracking, to name but a few. But did you know that you can tap in to some of these satellites and download data direct from them.

This workshop will show you how to receive data from FunCube satellites orbiting the earth and passing overhead several times a day.

Code & Cypher School

People have been trying to keep messages and data safe for thousands of years; this culminated in the famous Enigma code from World War II which was thought by the Germans to be unbreakable. But a team of amazing British innovators set about cracking it and it is said that doing so shortened the war by two years.

Learn the secrets of encoding messages in this workshop delivered by one of our youngest members.

Yes, it is an old communications technology, but it’s still very relevant today. It’s one of the first digital communications systems to ever be developed and it is a very effective and efficient method of communication; even over many thousands of miles when other communication methods fail.

Come and have a go for yourself at our workshop and learn to send your name in Morse code. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not have a conversation using Morse Code. It’s actually quite easy and kids love it.

Wireless radio communication is all around us; television, radio, mobile phones, wi-fi, etc. Amateur radio operators are folk who are interested in technology and who are licensed by the government to communicate in many different ways with other amateur radio operators around the world and even out in to space as the International Space Station is equipped with amateur radio equipment and many of the astronauts are also licensed.

Come and have a look at how easy it is to get on the air and start experimenting with this fascinating hobby.

Electronics is the backbone of most modern technology; almost everything is controlled by an electronic circuit of some sort, be it a computer, a control system, or just a bespoke product.

Come and have a go at building your own electronic circuit and see how easy it is to get started.

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3D Printing Workshops

This is a relatively new technology, but many major organisations are using it to build bespoke products that would otherwise cost thousands of pounds. Even British Aerospace is printing 3D parts for Tornados to keep them in the air during maintenance.

This technology is now available in the home too and we’ll show you how to get started for relatively little cost and start making those things you always wanted but couldn’t find or afford.